In line button drip emitter

ABSTRACT

A drip irrigation emitter may be provided with a coupler for bonding to an inner surface of a conduit. The emitter may include for example a button flow restrictor. The coupler may optionally provide an outlet zone on the conduit surface that is large enough for automated perforation. Bonding the emitter to the surface of the conduit may have a minimal effect on the dimensions and/or properties of the conduit. A button drip irrigation emitter may optionally include a two part labyrinth. The labyrinth may for example be confined between a cylindrical surface and a cover and/or wind between intermeshing baffles on the cover and/or the surface.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/937,294 filed on Jul. 9, 2013, the contents of which are incorporatedby reference as if fully set forth herein in their entirety.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to an inhose drip emitter and, more particularly, but not exclusively, an inhose drip emitter having an efficiently shaped regulator.

International Patent Application Publication No. WO/1992/005689 toDermitzakis discloses “an irrigation pipe with dripping elementssoldered to its inner side made of a continuous plastic pipe which doesnot have however a constant cross-sectional area over its whole length.The dripping element may be designed either as a simple meander or otherchannel shape or have a pressure-compensating function. In theembodiment with pressure-compensating function, a constant water outflowrate from the dripping element is ensured within a determined pressurerange. The dripping elements are successively introduced into the pipeduring the production phase of the latter, are enveloped by the sheathof the pipe and secured to the inner wall of the pipe. The sheath of thepipe forms outer bulges at these locations. The cross-section of theirrigation pipe remains absolutely free over its whole length. Thedripping element may also be provided with a small water outlet pipewhich clearly projects from the outer side of the pipe.”

U.S. Pat. No. 7,270,280 to Belford discloses “an integral in-linedripper to be used bonded to the internal surface of an irrigation pipe.The dripper has an inlet facing the inside of the pipe and an outletconnected to an exit opening in the pipe wall. The dripper has aflattened shape defined between a first surface with an open meanderingchannel formed therein, the channel's inlet being connected to thedripper's inlet, and a second surface opposite the first surface. Thetopography of the first surface is so designed that the dripper can bebonded to the internal surface of the pipe in any orientation about aradius of the pipe passing through the first and the second surface, soas to form a flow-restriction labyrinth connected to the outlet of thedripper.”

U.S. Pat. No. 5,636,797 to Cohen discloses “a drip irrigation emitterincluding a tube having a plurality of flow control units bonded to itsinner face providing a flow control passageway between the interior ofthe tube and each of a plurality of discharge openings formed throughthe wall of the tube. Each flow control unit includes a body memberbonded to the inner face of the tube, a cover also bonded to the innerface of the tube, and a deformable elastomeric membrane between the bodymember and cover and defining a pressure-compensated flow controlpassageway through the flow control unit. A drip irrigation emitterincludes a body member having an inlet for receiving pressurized water,an outlet, and a connecting passageway having a plurality of bafflesspaced from each other in the direction of the water flow from the inletto the outlet to define a labyrinth flow path cooperable with adeformable membrane which regulates the flow through the labyrinth flowpath in response to the inlet pressure. The baffles are formed withnotches in the sides thereof facing the membrane such that the membraneis deformed by an increase in the inlet pressure first into engagementwith the sides of the baffles facing the membrane, and then into thenotches, to regulate the flow to the outlet.” According to Cohen, “Theinner face of body member 10 (i.e., the face exposed to the interior oftube 2) is formed with a flat outer rim 13 (FIG. 5) of generallyrectangular configuration for seating the cover 30 . . . . Thelongitudinal side sections 34, 35 of cover 30 are further formed withcurved surfaces 34 b, 35 b, conforming to the curvature of tube 2.”

U.S. Pat. No. 6,206,305 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,027,048 to Mehoudar disclose“an emitter unit to be integrally bonded to an internal surface of aconduit and comprising an elongated housing, a housing inlet adapted tocommunicate with an interior of said conduit and a housing outletadapted to communicate with a conduit outlet. An elongated,flow-restricting flowpath is formed in the housing having a flowpathinlet communicating with the housing inlet and a flowpath outletcommunicating with the housing outlet. A resiliently flexible membraneis mounted in the housing which is of closed box-like shape and isconstituted by an elongated receiving member and a correspondinglyelongated cover member. Projections and recesses are formed along thelengths of elongated rim portions of the members and are directedsubstantially transversely to longitudinal axes of said members suchthat projections of one member are adapted to form a close pressure fitwithin corresponding recesses of the other member.”

U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,462 to Mehoudar discloses “an irrigation emitterunit comprising an outer member of substantially cylindrical shape andhaving a tapering base portion with fluid flow coupling means; aninwardly directed peripherally flanged edge portion of the outer member;an inner member having a body portion of substantially cylindrical shapesubstantially sealingly fitted within the outer member and having acover portion formed integrally therewith; a peripheral edge portion ofthe cover portion juxtaposed below the flanged edge portion of the outermember; an elongated groove formed in the cylindrical surface of thebody portion; a cavity formed in the body portion and communicating atone end thereof with a fluid flow inlet; an inwardly directed flangeformed integrally with the walls of the cavity; and a resilientlyflexible membrane located within the unit.”

U.S. Pat. No. 4,209,133 to Mehoudar discloses “a drip level irrigationemitter unit having flow restricting means, a control mechanism, inletand outlet control chambers of the control mechanism, resilientlyflexible membrane sealingly separating the control chambers, themembrane being displaceable with respect to the flow restricting means,the inlet and outlet chambers respectively communicating with an inletand an outlet of the flow restricting means, the outlet chamber beingformed with an outlet aperture of substantially smaller area than thatof the membrane, the arrangement being such that upon the liquidpressure in the inlet chamber exceeding the liquid pressure in theoutlet chamber by a predetermined amount, the membrane flexeselastically towards the outlet aperture so as to define, with a rim ofthe aperture, a restricted outflow path thereby limiting variations inthe outflow rate.”

U.S. Pat. No. 7,681,810 to Keren discloses “an emitter comprising: aplurality of inlet apertures through which liquid enters the emitter; amanifold flow channel into which liquid that passes through theapertures flow; an elastic diaphragm that seats on the manifold flowchannel; an outlet aperture through which liquid that enters the emitterexits the emitter; wherein liquid that enters the inlet aperturesdisplaces only a portion of the diaphragm from the manifold channel sothat the liquid can leave the manifold channel and flow through theemitter to reach the outlet aperture.”

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0097254 to Cohen discloses“an apparatus for a self adjusting regulator suited for an irrigationemitter. A curved flow channel is integrated into a concave dome shapedsurface. A deformable member deforms to approach the surface to adjustthe resistance to flow. The concave dome shaped surface may match adeformed shape of the membrane. Irregularities in the interface betweenthe surface and the deformable member are configured to achieve adesired discharge under varying flow conditions. The deformable membermay activate an inlet filter cleaner by pushing a ram and therebyunclogging the filter.”

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided a drip emitter for bonding to an inner surface of aconduit over less than the circumference thereof of including a bodyincluding a cylindrical element having a main axis, a closed perimeterfluid outlet zone bounded by a rim having an arched profile which lieson a substantially cylindrical virtual surface, wherein an axis of thesubstantially cylindrical virtual surface is substantially perpendicularto the main axis of the cylindrical element; a cover including acylindrical inner surface and a fluid inlet; a labyrinth flow pathconfined between the cylindrical element and the cylindrical innersurface and wherein the labyrinth flow path is disposed between thefluid inlet and the closed perimeter fluid outlet zone; and anorientation element indicating an orientation of the arched profile foraligning the arched profile with the inner surface of the conduit.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the drip emitter mayfurther include: a flow regulating element having a flexible membrane.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the cover may furtherinclude: a curved bonding surface for bonding the cover to the innersurface of the conduit, and an additional orientation element foraligning the curved bonding surface with the arched profile of the rim.

According to some embodiments of the invention, a plurality of dripemitters may be attached to an inner surface of an irrigation tube, theirrigation tube may include a plurality of openings, each of theopenings may be surrounded by the closed perimeter bonding surface of arespective emitter of the plurality of drip emitters.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the emitter may includea self contained button flow restrictor.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the orientation elementincludes a flat surface aligned with an axis of the conduit.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the arched profile has awidth less than a width of the cylindrical element.

According to some embodiments of the invention, a curvature of thearched rim matches a curvature of the inner surface of the conduit.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided a drip emitter for bonding to an inner surface of aconduit over less than the circumference thereof of including: a bodyincluding a cylindrical outer surface having a main axis, a first set ofbaffles protruding from the cylindrical outer surface and a closedperimeter fluid outlet zone bounded by a rim having an arched profilewhich lies on a substantially cylindrical virtual surface; a coverdefining a cylindrical cavity and including a second set of bafflesprotruding inward from an inner surface of the cavity and a fluid inlet;a labyrinth flow path confined between the cylindrical outer surface andthe cylindrical inner surface, the labyrinth flow path winding along theexternal cylindrical surface between the first set of baffles and thesecond set of baffles and wherein the labyrinth flow path is disposedbetween the fluid inlet and the closed perimeter fluid outlet, and afirst orientation element on the body and a second orientation elementon the cover aligning the first set of baffles with the second set ofbaffles.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the drip emitter furtherincludes a regulator element including a flexible membrane.

According to some embodiments of the invention, arched rim matches acurvature of the inner surface of the conduit and wherein an axis of thesubstantially cylindrical virtual surface is substantially perpendicularthe main axis of the cylindrical element.

According to some embodiments of the invention, a drip irrigation systemmay include a plurality of drip emitters attached to an inner surface ofan irrigation tube, the tube including a plurality of openings, each theopening surrounded by the closed perimeter bonding surface of arespective emitter of the plurality drip emitters.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the labyrinth flow pathwinds along the first surface.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided a drip emitter including: a body including a firstsurface, a first set of baffles protruding from the first surface and afirst bounding base protruding from the first surface; a facing elementincluding a second surface facing the first surface, a second set ofbaffles protruding from the second surface and a second bounding baseprotruding from the second surface; a first orientation element on thebody and a second orientation element on the facing element wherein thefirst orientation element is aligned with the second orientation elementto align the first set of baffles with the second set of baffles forminga labyrinth flow path confined between the first surface and the secondsurface and between the first bounding base and the second boundingbase.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the labyrinth flow pathwinds along the first surface.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the first surface isconcave and the second surface is convex.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the first surface issubstantially cylindrical.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the drip emitter mayfurther include a regulator element including a flexible membrane.

According to some embodiments of the invention, at least one baffle,selected from the group consisting of the first set of baffles and thesecond set of baffles, contacts both the first face and the secondsurface.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided a drip emitter for bonding to an inner surface of aconduit over a less than the circumference thereof of including: a coverincluding a fluid inlet and a cylindrical cavity; a body including acylindrical portion inserted into the cylindrical cavity, a protrudingportion, protruding from one end of the cylindrical cavity andterminating with a closed perimeter fluid outlet zone, the closedperimeter fluid outlet zone having a width between 50% to 100% of thediameter of the cylindrical section and the protruding portionindicating an orientation of the closed fluid outlet zone and aregulator in communication with a fluid outlet and including a flexiblemembrane; and a labyrinth flow path confined between an outer surface ofthe body and an inner surface of the cylindrical cavity, the labyrinthflow path connecting the fluid inlet to the regulator.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the closed perimeterfluid outlet zone may optionally have a width of between 2 mm and 10 mm.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided a drip emitter for bonding to an inner surface of aconduit over less than the circumference thereof of including: a selfcontained button type flow regulator, and a coupler receiving fluid fromthe button flow regulator and including a closed perimeter fluid outletzone bounded by a rim having an arched profile which lies on asubstantially cylindrical virtual surface.

According to some embodiments of the invention, an orientation elementmay indicate an orientation of the arched profile.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the arched profile has acylindrical curvature matching a curvature of the inner surface of theconduit.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms usedherein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods andmaterials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used inthe practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplarymethods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, thepatent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition,the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are notintended to be necessarily limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specificreference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that theparticulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrativediscussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, thedescription taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled inthe art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a large scale trans-axial cross section of a conduit,illustrating an exemplary drip emitter in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view, illustrating an exemplary drip emitterbody in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1C is an axial view of the outlet side of an exemplary drip emitterin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1D is a trans-axial cross section of a conduit, illustrating anexample of an installed drip emitter in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 1E is a large scale trans-axial cross section of a conduit,illustrating an example of an installed drip emitter in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1F is a perspective view, illustrating the cavity of a cover inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1G is a perspective view, illustrating a coupler installed into acover in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1H is a perspective view, illustrating a dripper in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1I is a perspective view, illustrating an exemplary drip emitterbody in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view, illustrating a two part labyrinth dripemitter body and cover in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view, illustrating a an exemplary cover of atwo part labyrinth drip emitter cover in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 2C is a perspective view, illustrating a an exemplary cavity in acover of a two part labyrinth drip emitter cover in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2D is a perspective view, illustrating an inner body part of analternative two part labyrinth drip emitter in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view, illustrating an alternative dripper inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view, illustrating an outlet side of analternative dripper in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3C is an axial cross section of a conduit, illustrating analternative example of an installed drip emitter in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3D is a large scale axial cross section of a conduit, illustratingan alternative example of an installed drip emitter in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a trans-axial cross section of a conduit, illustrating anexample of an installed drip emitter in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 4B is a large scale trans-axial cross section of a conduit,illustrating an example of an installed drip emitter in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4C is a perspective view, illustrating a coupler installed into acover in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4D is a perspective view, illustrating an exemplary drip emitterbody in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to an inhose drip emitter and, more particularly, but not exclusively, an inhose drip emitter having an efficiently shaped regulator.

Overview

Coupler for Attaching a Button Type Flow Restrictor Inside a Conduit

An aspect of some embodiments the current invention relates to a dripemitter including a fluid outlet coupler adapted for bonding a flowrestrictor and to a outlet zone on an inside surface of a fluid conduit.Optionally the flow restrictor may be self contained and/or button typeand/or may include a pressure compensating regulator. Features disclosedin some embodiments of the current invention facilitate the aligningand/or bonding of a button dripper to a wall of cylindrical conduit withminimal disturbance to the exterior shape and/or properties of theconduit.

Emitters may be divided into various categories. In line emitters may beinstalled in a conduit during manufacture. On line emitters may be addedto a conduit after manufacture. In line emitters may include embeddedrestrictors. In line emitters include cylindrical inserts that areattached to the entire inner circumference of the conduit and/or atleast half of the inner circumference of the conduit. In line emittersmay include embedded emitters that may be embedded into the wall of aconduit. For example the majority of the thickness of an embeddedemitter may protrude out from the inner passageway of the conduit.

In line drippers may include flat emitters that are attached to a smallportion of the inner circumference of the conduit. Such drippers oftenhave an elongated rectangular form. The majority of the thickness of theemitter may protrude into the inner pathway of the conduit. Emitters maybe further divided according to whether they include a self containedflow restrictor. A self contained flow restrictor is not dependent onconnection to a conduit wall. Conduit dependent flow restrictors maydepends on connection to a conduit wall. For example a conduit dependentflow restrictor may include a pressure reducing labyrinth which employsthe conduit wall to confine a labyrinth flow restrictor.

Self contained button emitters (sometimes referred to a cylindricalemitters and/or disk emitters) may be used as on line emitters. Selfcontained button drippers may have significant advantages. For examplebutton drippers may include a labyrinth flow path set between twocylindrical surfaces. In some embodiments tight sealing cylindricalsurfaces can be formed from molded plastic. For example, an initiallabyrinth flow path may be formed between two plastic cylindricalsurfaces without an expensive flexible membrane and/or gasket. In someembodiments of a button dripper a small flexible membrane may cover onlythe regulating portion of a flow restrictor. This may save productioncosts compared to, for example, elongated emitters that in some casesmay use a larger membrane to cover and/or seal various portions of theflow restrictor, for example including an initial labyrinth.

The external casing of a button type flow restrictor may be symmetricalabout an axis. Many conventional button drippers include an outlet thatis also symmetrical around the same axis as the flow restrictor. Forexample, conventional outlets may have a flat and/or dome shape. Theremay be a problem bonding a flat surface or a circular dome surface to acylindrical inner wall of a conduit.

There have been attempts to bond flat or domed button dripper to theinside of a conduit is by locally deforming the conduit and or embeddingthe emitter mostly and or entirely into the wall of the conduit.Embedding an emitter and/or deformation of the conduit may lead toproblems, for example changes in the external properties of the conduit,for example the wall strength, the external cross section, theflexibility, the ability of the conduit to coil. Embedded emitters mayrequire thick walled conduits. Deformation and its associated problemsmay be increased for larger self contained emitters. Smaller, conduitdependent flow restrictors may be unreliable and/or inconsistent. Forexample bonding between a conduit dependent flow restrictor and a hosewall may be less precise and/or reliable than molding of plastic parts.

In some embodiments of the present invention the button dripper mayinclude a coupler including an outlet zone with a vaulted and/or archedprofile. The arched profile may not have radial symmetry around the sameaxis as the button flow restrictor. For example, the outlet zone may bearched to conform to a cylindrical inner surface of a hose.

In some embodiments of the present invention, a self contained buttonflow restrictor may be joined to a coupler for connection to the wall ofa conduit as an in line emitter. The self contained button flowrestrictor may optionally produce reliable flow without being sensitiveto the quality and/or depth of bonding to a conduit. The coupler mayoptionally include a surface that facilitates alignment and/or bondingto a conduit wall and/or produces an outlet zone that is suited toperforation by automated machinery. The coupler may optionally bond tothe wall without significantly changing the external properties of theconduit.

In some embodiments the fluid outlet of the coupler may be shaped tomatch the inside curvature of the conduit wall. For example, the fluidoutlet may include a rim and/or a bonding surface arched to lie on avirtual cylindrical surface. The virtual surface may match the innercylindrical surface of the conduit. Optionally the coupler surface maybond to less than less than half of the circumference of the conduit.Optionally, fitting the outlet to the curvature of the conduit may allowa larger outlet zone and/or bonding surface with less disturbance to theexternal properties of the conduit.

In some embodiments an irrigation hose may include a plurality of inhose drip emitters. Optionally, the hose may retain flexibility (forexample the bonding zone may be configured so as to not constitute alarge inflexible zone). Optionally, the hose may retain a smooth outergeometry, allowing it to be handled and/or stored like conventionalhoses. For example the hose may bend enough to be rolled in a standardmanner.

In some embodiments, the outlet zone may be suitable for perforation byautomated machinery. For example the outlet zone may optionally rangebetween 200 to 500% larger than perforation size. Drippers may be spacedbetween 100 and 1000 mm apart. The outlet zone may allow for 0.5-2.0%misalignment, which may be useful in automatic perforation. For examplethe outlet zone may have a width ranging between 2 mm and 10 mm and/orthe outlet zone may have a width ranging between 3 mm and 7 mm. Forexample the zone may occupy an angular extent of less than 20° on thecircumference of the conduit. For example the installation of theemitter may change the width of the conduit by less than 5%. Perforationmay include for example punching, slicing, cutting and or othertechnologies.

In some embodiments the dripper may be installed in a hose having aninner diameter of between 5 to 30 mm. For example the dripper may beinstalled in a hose having a wall thickness of between 0.1 to 4 mm, andmore particularly in some embodiment the dripper may be installed into athin walled hose having a wall thickness of between 0.1 to 1.0 mm. Forexample the hose with the drippers may have a working pressure range ofbetween for example ranging between 1 to 3 atm or alternatively forexample ranging between 0.2 to 4 atm.

In some embodiments the output is regulated in hose drip emitter. Forexample, the emitter may preserve a substantially constant flow rateranging between 0.2 to 8 l/hr. For example, it may preserve a constantflow rate of about 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 8 l/hr. For example, the emittermay preserve the specified output flow rate to ±10% under variations ofinput pressure ranging between for example 1 to 3 atm or alternativelyfor example ranging between 0.2 and 4 atm, for example due to changes ofelevation along the conduit and/or transient pressure changes and/orchanges in pressure along the conduit (due for example to head lossalong the conduit). The emitter may optionally include a one way valveto prevent back flow.

In some embodiments an outlet coupler and the body of the flowrestrictor may be produced in a single piece of molded plastic.Optionally a bonding surface between the coupler and the inner wall ofthe conduit may perpendicular to an axis of the flow restrictor.Optionally, the outlet zone and/or the bonding zone may be thinner thatthe flow restrictor. Optionally, the flow restrictor may be disk and/orcylindrical and/or conical in shape. Optionally the flow restrictor mayinclude pressure compensation.

Orientation Element

An aspect of some embodiments of the current invention is an orientationelement for orienting an outlet coupler with an inner surface of aconduit.

When fitting the dripper to the inside surface of the conduit, it mayoptionally be desirable to align the profile of the bonding surface tothe axis of the conduit. A conventional button drip emitter, havingaxial symmetry, may lack an obvious external feature by which to judgethe orientation of the bonding surface and its alignment with theconduit.

In some embodiments of the present invention an optional orientationelement may facilitate orientation in one or more axes. For example, abonding surface may be oriented toward the conduit wall. The bondingsurface may optionally be oriented also with respect to the axis of theconduit. For example in some embodiments the bonding surface is curvedto fit the internal cylindrical side of the conduit. In such a case, thebonding surface may be oriented parallel to the conduit. For example, analignment element may include a flat surface and/or a pair of parallelflat surfaces. The flat surface may be aligned with the axis of theconduit. For example, the orientation element may include a step and ora protrusion that is aligned towards a wall of the conduit. In someembodiments the orientation element may be on the outlet coupler and/oron a core of the flow restrictor and/or on a cover thereof.

Two Part Labyrinth

An aspect of some embodiments of the current invention relates to a twopart labyrinth. Optionally baffles on each part of a two part labyrinthmay be oriented in a single direction. In some embodiments, whenassembled together two relatively simple parts may provide a windinglabyrinth of baffles having different orientations.

Mold extraction for plastic emitters parts may be made difficult by theinclusion of features having different extraction orientation in asingle molded part. For example extraction of conventional labyrinthsfrom molds may be made slow and/or expensive due to the need formovement and/or flexing in multiple directions in order to extractbaffles having different orientations. Some embodiments of a two partlabyrinth may facilitate production of a labyrinth flow path by forminga labyrinth having baffles of differing orientations with easily moldedparts wherein on a given part, feature have similar orientation.

The two part labyrinth may optionally be confined between two parts, forexample body having a cylindrical outer surface and a cover having acylindrical inner cavity.

Optionally intervening baffles on the two parts may form a winding fluidpathway. The fluid pathway may optionally circle the cylindricalsurface. The fluid pathway may optionally wind along the cylindricalsurface.

Alternatively or additionally, the cylindrical surface may include aconical portion and/or an irregular convex portion. For the sake of thedescription herein, cylindrical may include for example a truncated conehaving an aperture of 0-10°. Optionally the directrix of the cylindermay not be circular.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, itis to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in itsapplication to the details of construction and the arrangement of thecomponents and/or methods set forth in the following description and/orillustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention iscapable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out invarious ways.

Exemplary Embodiments

Exemplary Emitter Bonded to Conduit

FIG. 1A is an orthogonal trans-axial profile view of an exemplaryembodiment 100 of a button flow restrictor 128 and coupler 125 installedin a conduit. A curved bonding surface 123 (for example on a cover 152)is optionally shaped to make good contact with the inner cylindricalsurface of conduit wall 150 without significantly deforming the conduit.For example bonding surface 123 may have a cylindrical curvature. Thecurvature of bonding surface may optionally match the curvature of theconduit. For example, an X in FIG. 1A marks the axis 138 a of curvatureof bonding surface 123 (directed out of the page) which is optionallycorresponds also the axis of the conduit. A dashed line marks the axis138 b of the cylindrical element flow restrictor 128. The outside ofembodiment 100 is optionally enclosed by a cover 152. In the exemplaryembodiment, outlet coupler 125 connects a cylindrical element flowrestrictor 128 to the conduit. Alternatively or additionally, an adaptormay be used to connect flow restrictors having arbitrary shapes to aninside wall of a conduit.

FIG. 1B illustrates an emitter body according to exemplary embodiment100 of the current invention. Embodiment 100 includes an outlet coupler125 including an optional closed perimeter rim 124. Rim 124 may be havean arched profile (for example similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1A)that lies on a substantially cylindrical virtual surface (for examplethe virtual surface may deviate from cylindrical by 5% and/or between0.5 and 1.0 mm and/or between less than 0.5 mm in some embodimentsdeviation may be more or less). For example, the arched profile may beshaped to fit the cylindrical inner wall of a conduit.

In some embodiments, for example embodiment 100, flow restrictor 128 maybe in the form of a self contained button type regulated restrictor. Theexternal casing of a button type flow restrictor, for example restrictor128 may for example have axial symmetry around axis 138 b. The naturalform for an outlet to such a restrictor is also axial symmetrical aroundaxis 138 b (which would include for example a dome shape). In embodiment100, rim 124 of the outlet zone does not have radial symmetry aroundaxis 138 b, but is arched to fit a hose with radial symmetry around axis138 a (perpendicular to axis 138 b).

When fitting rim 124 of coupler 125 to an inside surface of a conduit,it may optionally be desirable to align the axis 138 b of the archedform of rim 124 to the axis of the conduit. A conventional button dripemitter, having external symmetry around axis 138 b, may lack an obviousexternal feature by which to judge the orientation of axis 138 a and itsalignment with the conduit.

Some embodiments of the present invention may include an orientationmember. For example, a flat surface serves may serve as an alignmentmember 126. For example, the flat surface may be aligned with an axis ofthe substantially cylindrical virtual surface. Optionally in exemplaryembodiment 100, rim 124 is oriented towards to wall of the conduit. Theflat surface of orientation element 126 may optionally be alignedparallel to the axis of the conduit. The arched bonding surface may bealigned to the conduit (for example by aligning the axis of thesubstantially cylindrical virtual surface to the axis of the conduit).

In some embodiments, a cylindrical element regulated button type flowrestrictor 128 may be joined to outlet coupler 125. Flow restrictor 128may be self contained. For example the restricting properties of flowrestrictor 128 may be independent its connection to the conduit.Cylindrical element flow restrictor 128 may optionally have a main axis138 b that is substantially perpendicular to axis of curvature 138 a ofthe cylindrical arch of curved bonding surface, rim 124. For example theangle between axis 138 a and axis 138 b may be 90°±10°. Optionally theaxes 138 a of the curved bonding surface 123, and the cylindricalbonding surface of rim 124 of the emitter body and/or cover 152 maycorrespond to the axis of the conduit.

In exemplary embodiment 100, restrictor 128 includes a regulating member140 and a tortuous flow channel 132 that is wrapped around a cylindricalsurface 130. The fluid path may include for example a channel inlet 134leading to tortuous channel 132. Tortuous channel 132 may optionallylead to a channel outlet 136 which is also optionally a regulator inlet.Flow may cross optionally a regulating surface 144 and exit from athrough a regulator outlet 142. In some embodiments, the body mayinclude a shoulder 146. Shoulder 146 may optionally support a membraneas will be explained herein below.

An angular extent 167 of a boding zone is illustrated by dotted linesand angle markings in FIG. 1A. The angular extent 167 of the boding zonemay be, for example less than 45°. Alternatively or additionally, insome embodiments, the angular extent of the bonding zone may be between20° and 180°. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, theangular extent of the bonding zone may be greater than 180°.

Outlet Zone

FIG. 1C illustrates an outlet zone of exemplary embodiment 100 of a dripemitter. The outlet zone is optionally defined by the inner perimeterrim 124 on the body of the drip emitter. The bonding zone is optionallydefined by the outer perimeter of rim 124 on the body of the dripemitter and/or the outer perimeter of bonding surface 123 on the cover152. In exemplary embodiment 100, the length 120 of the outlet zone isparallel to the axis of the conduit and/or the width 118 of the outletzone is perpendicular to the axis of the conduit. In exemplaryembodiment 100, the length 122 of the bonding zone is parallel to theaxis of the conduit and/or the width 116 of the bonding zone isperpendicular to the axis of the conduit. In exemplary embodiment 100the length 122 of outlet zone along the axis of the conduit isoptionally longer than the width 116 of the bonding zone perpendicularto the axis of the conduit. In the example of embodiment 100 the outletzone is optionally bounded by parallel flat surfaces that may optionallyserve as orientation elements 126. For example, the flat surface oforientation element 126 may be aligned with the axis of the conduit.Aligning the orientation element may align arched rim 124 to theconduit. For example, the axis of the conduit may be aligned to axis 138a of the substantially cylindrical virtual surface on which lies archedrim 124.

Cut Away View of an Emitter Installed in a Conduit

FIGS. 1D and 1E illustrate large scale and detailed trans-axial crosssectional views of exemplary embodiment 100 installed in a conduit.FIGS. 1D 1E illustrate an optional flexible membrane 156 not underpressure. FIG. 1E illustrates a flow path through the emitter.

In FIG. 1E an exemplary membrane 156 is shown not under pressure. Forexample, pressure in the conduit may deflect membrane 156 away fromfluid inlet 160 allowing water to enter inlet 160 and flow through achannel inlet into tortuous channel 132. In the exemplary embodimenttortuous channel winds around cylindrical surface 130 is confinedbetween cover 152 and cylindrical surface 130. Subsequently, the fluidoptionally passes through channel outlet 136 into a regulatory cavity148 and out regulator outlet 142 into an outlet chamber 158 andeventually out opening 154 in the conduit. As pressure in the conduitrises, membrane 156 may be displaced further eventually partiallyblocking regulator outlet 142 maintaining a constant flow output. Thewidth 116 of the bonding zone and the width 118 of the outlet zone areillustrated by dimension lines.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1D 1E cover 152 may optionally snap onto thebody of the dripper.

Cover

FIG. 1F illustrates an exemplary embodiment of cover 152. For example,cover 152 may include wings 164 for orientation and/or connection to thebody of the emitter. Alternatively or additionally, a cover may besimple without wings and/or an orientation member and/or a curvedsurface for bonding to the conduit wall. For example the orientationand/or connection to the conduit wall may be supplied only by the bodyof the emitter. Optionally, cover 152 may include a curved bondingsurface 123 that may fit and/or be bonded to the inside surface of aconduit. Surface 123 may for example increase the size of the bondingzone with a conduit without changing the size of the outlet zone.Surface 123 may for example increase the strength of bonding with aconduit. Optionally, cover 152 may include optional orientation elements126.

Cover 152 may include an optional cylindrical cavity into whichcylindrical element flow restrictor 128 may be inserted. For example,the cylindrical cavity may be bounded by a cylindrical inner surface131. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1A-I, when cylindrical elementflow restrictor 128 is inserted into cover 152, a labyrinth flow path,for example including tortuous channel 132, is confined betweencylindrical surface 130 and cylindrical inner surface 131.

Assembled Emitter—View of the Outlet

FIG. 1G is a view of outlet coupler 125 side of an assembled dripperaccording to exemplary embodiment 100. FIG. 1G illustrates the form ofoutlet chamber 158 and orientation features of exemplary embodiment 100on two axes.

In some embodiments, outlet coupler 125 may be oriented along more thanone axis. For example, outlet coupler 125 may be oriented facing wall150 of the conduit (with inlet 160 facing the center of the conduit).For example, the straight surfaces of orientation elements 126 may beorientated parallel to the axis of the conduit. When outlet coupler 125is bonded to a conduit wall 150, rim 124 may optionally surround anopening in the hose on all sides. For example outlet chamber 158 may besurrounded on five sides by the emitter body. For example on two sidesby the arched profile portion of rim 124 and on two more sides byparallel orientation members 126 portion of rim 124 and on the fifthside by the floor of regulating chamber 148. On the sixth side, chamber158 may be closed in by wall 150 of the conduit. The parallel sides oforientation elements 126 may optionally be designed for simpleorientation by, for example, mechanical and/or optical means.

Inlet and Cover

FIG. 1H illustrates a view from the inlet side of exemplary embodiment100. Illustrated optional orientation features of cover 152 include wing164 and orientation element 126. Also seen is curved bonding surface 123which may optional fit the interior surface of the conduit. Orientationelement 126 of the body of the dripper is seen in parallel orientationwith orientation element 126 of cover 152.

An Alternative Regulator

FIG. 1I illustrates a body of an alternative exemplary embodiment 800 ofa cylindrical element flow restrictor 828. Exemplary flow restrictor 828includes an alternative regulator element 840. Under low conduitpressures fluid entering channel outlet 136 of embodiment 800 flowsdirectly between a membrane (156 not shown) and a regulating surface 844to a regulator outlet 842. When the pressure in the conduit rises,membrane 156 distends toward surface 844 and flow from channel outlet136 passes through a regulator labyrinth 843 to reach outlet 842.

A Two Part Labyrinth

FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary embodiment 200 of an emitter includinga two part labyrinth flow path 232. In exemplary embodiment 200, twopart labyrinth flow path 232 is confined between a cylindrical outersurface 230 of a body and a cylindrical inner surface 231 of a cover252. Flow path 232 is made to wind along cylindrical surface 230 bycover baffles 284 intervening between oppositely oriented core baffles286. For example, baffles 284 may be aligned with the axis ofcylindrical flow restrictor 228 in a first direction and baffles 286 maybe aligned with the axis of cylindrical flow restrictor 228 in anopposite direction. In the example of embodiment 200 molding of thecover 252 and cylindrical element flow restrictor 228 may be facilitatedby the fact that the openings between baffles 284, 286 on each piece areoptionally directed in one direction. In some embodiments this maysimplify the mold and/or increase the production rate. For example, inFIG. 2A, baffles 284 are oriented along the axis of the cylindricalcavity of cover 252 with tips facing downward. For example, in FIG. 2A,baffles 286 are oriented along the axis of the cylindrical element flowrestrictor 228 with tips upward.

In exemplary embodiment, baffles 286 are connected to a bounding base270 a. Bounding base 270 a serves as a sealing ring. When cylindricalflow restrictor 225 is inserted into the cavity of cover 252 boundingbase 270 a optionally seals against inner cylindrical surface 231demarking the bottom edge of labyrinth flow path 232. In exemplaryembodiment, baffles 284 are connected to a bounding base 270 b. Boundingbase 270 b serves as a sealing ring. When cylindrical flow restrictor225 is inserted into the cavity of cover 252 bounding base 270 boptionally seals against cylindrical surface 230 demarking the top edgeof labyrinth flow path 232.

Exemplary embodiment 200 optionally includes interlocking dividers 268 aand 268 b on surface 230 and 231 respectively. Dividers 268 a,b mayoptionally prevent fluid that enters channel inlet 234 a from shortcircuiting labyrinth 232 to exit channel outlet 136.

Outlet coupler 125 of embodiment 200 is optionally similar to outletcoupler 125 of embodiment 100. Cover 252 optionally does not include abonding surface for bonding to a wall of a conduit. Alternatively oradditionally, a cover of a two part labyrinth could include wings (forexample wings 164 and/or 1064) and or a bonding surface (for examplesimilar to surface 123 and 1024).

In exemplary embodiment 200 cover 252 is illustrated without wings.Alternatively or additionally a cover of a two part labyrinth may havewings, for example line wings 164 of embodiment 100.

Orientation During Assembly of a Two Part Labyrinth

FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate the outside and inside surfaces respectivelyof exemplary cover 252. FIGS. 2B,C illustrate a few optional orientationfeatures of cover 252. In some embodiments, orientation of cover 252,flow restrictor 228, outlet coupler 125 and conduit wall 150 and/or thealignment between them may be of importance. Alignment may optionally beachieved using automatic machinery. Alignment may optionally befacilitated by various orientation elements, for example as describedherein.

For example, FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary orientation element 226 oncover 252. Element 226 may be used by a machine during assembly of theemitter to orient cover 252 and align it with flow restrictor 228.Optionally, element 226 may be used by a machine bonding emitters to aconduit to orient outlet coupler 125 and/or align it with the axis ofthe conduit, for example when outlet coupler 125 is in a fixed alignmentwith cover 252 (as is the case for example in embodiment 200).

Interlocking dividers 268 a,b may optionally lock surface 230 intoproper rotational alignment with cover 252. Locking surface 230 intorotational alignment with surface 230 may optionally facilitate theproper intermeshing of baffles 284 and 286. Locking surface 230 intorotational alignment with surface 231 may optionally align a channelinlet 234 b groove in cover 252 with channel inlet 234 a on the body ofthe emitter.

Alternate Body of a Two Part Labyrinth

FIG. 2D illustrates an alternative embodiment 1800 of a body of anemitter having a two part labyrinth. The cylindrical flow resistor 1828of embodiment 1800 includes a slit channel outlet 1836. A flexiblemembrane (for example membrane 156) may optionally sit on top ofshoulder 1846 and/or channel outlet 236, optionally dividing channeloutlet 1836 from inlet 160. One possible advantage of using a slit as achannel outlet 1836 over using a hole for example 136 is that it may beeasier to mold the slit than a hole (for example a slit can be moldingwithout requiring an additional molding movement direction. Inembodiment 1800, flow restrictor 1828 is illustrated with a smoothregulating surface 144. Alternatively or additionally embodiment 1800could include a labyrinth regulating surface, for example likeregulating surface 844.

An Alternative Cover Geometry

FIG. 3A illustrates an alternative cover geometry according to anexemplary embodiment of the current invention. Cover 352 may optionallyfit the same body and/or conduit as embodiment 100. Cover 352 may differfrom cover 152 for example in that cover 352 has larger wings 364 and alarger orientation element 326 than cover 152. Cover 352 may optionallyhave a large area of curved bonding surface 323 for bonding to the innerwall of the conduit. Alternatively or additionally a cover with largerwings (for example like wings 364) may also be a part of a two partlabyrinth (for example the flow restrictor may be similar to flowrestrictor 228).

Assembled Emitter—View of the Outlet with an Alternative Cover

FIG. 3B is a view of the adapter outlet 125 side of an assembled dripperwith the alternative embodiment of cover 352. FIG. 3B illustrates anexemplary connection between the body of the emitter and cover 352.

Axial Cross Section of an Emitter in a Conduit

FIG. 3C illustrates a large scale view of an axial-cross section of anemitter including cover 352 bonded to a conduit.

Close Up Axial Cross Section

An exemplary length 316 of the bonding zone and length 318 of the outletzone are illustrated by dimension lines. It can be seen that wings 364may optionally extend the length 316 of the bonding zone.

Bonding of a Coupler

FIG. 4A illustrates bonding of exemplary embodiment 400 of an emitterincluding a button shaped flow restrictor 428 connected to an innersurface of a conduit wall 150 by a coupler 425.

A closed perimeter bonding surface, rim 424 surrounds an outlet zone onwall 150 including an opening 154 that acts as a fluid outlet. Inexemplary embodiment 400 bonding surface, rim 424 is optionally flat.FIG. 4A illustrates, that bonding a flat bonding surface, rim 424 to theconduit wall distorts the conduit. In some embodiments distortion maychange the shape of the conduit, for example the diameter, less than 5%.The outlet perforation zone may occupy an angular extent 466 ranging forexample between 20° to 90° or less of the circumference of the conduit.In some embodiments a cover 452 of the emitter may be bonded to conduitwall 150. Alternatively or additionally, cover 452 may not be bonded toconduit wall 150.

An Exemplary Flat Surface Emitter

FIG. 4B is a trans-axial cross section of an emitter bonded to an innerwall of a conduit. FIG. 4B illustrates an optional geometry for thebonding zone and outlet zone of the emitter. FIG. 4B illustrates anexemplary relationship between the emitter, the coupler and the bondingzone and the outlet zone.

In FIG. 4B, closed perimeter bonding surface, rim 424 is bonded to aninner surface of a conduit wall 150. Wall 150 is optionally displaced bya maximum distortion 412 from its unstressed form 414 (represented inFIG. 4B by the dotted curve). Optionally the change in the outerdiameter of the conduit (defined for example as the maximum distortion412 divided by the unstressed diameter) is less than 5%.

The area where surface, rim 424 of coupler 425 is bonded to conduit wall150 is called the bonding zone. In FIG. 4B, for example, bonding zone isround and has a width 116 trans-axial to the conduit. The areacircumscribed by closed inner perimeter of surface, rim 424 is theoutlet zone. For example, in FIG. 4B, the outlet zone is round and has awidth 118. In the outlet zone, wall 150 is perforated to form an outletopening 154.

The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4B includes a cylindrical element flowrestrictor 428, which includes for example a cover 452 surrounding acylindrical surface 130 (alternately or additionally, a cylindricalsurface 130 may be a truncated cone). The fluid from inside the conduitmay flow along a fluid path that includes for example entering an inlet160 and/or flowing through a channel inlet into a tortuous channel 132which may wind around surface 130 to a channel outlet 136 and/or aregulator cavity 148. Regulatory cavity 148 may be closed on one side bya membrane 156 and/or lead on the other side through a regulator outlet142 to an outlet chamber 458 of coupler 425. Closed perimeter boundingsurface, rim 424 forms the edge of outlet chamber 458. The perimeter ofclosed perimeter bounding surface demarks an outlet zone the wall 150 ofthe conduit. The outlet zone is optionally large enough to be perforatedby automatic means known in the art to produce a fluid outlet in theconduit. The emitter may optionally include one or more orientationelements 426 which may facilitate orientating the emitter, for exampleas explained herein below.

Alternatively or additionally, the flat bonding surface, rim 424 coupler425 of embodiment 400 may be combined with any of the previousembodiments 100, 200, 300. Alternatively or additionally, a flat bondingsurface, rim 424 coupler 425 may be combined with a cover having abonding surface and/or wings, for example as described in any of theprevious embodiments 100, 200, 300.

Orientation of a Flat Coupler

FIG. 4C illustrates exemplary embodiment 400 assembled with cover 452.Optionally, a portion of cylindrical surface 430 protruding from cover452 may serve as a coupler 425 and/or as an orientation element 426 toorient surface, rim 424 towards to wall of the conduit. Alternatively oradditionally an edge of cover 452 and or the step formed between theedge of cover 452 and the protruding cylindrical surface 430 may serveas an orientation element 426. In exemplary embodiment 400, the closedperimeter of surface, rim 424 is circular and optionally does notrequire orientation with respect to the axis of the conduit.

A Flat Surfaced Coupler Body

FIG. 4D illustrates exemplary embodiment 400 emitter body includingcoupler 425 for connecting flow restrictor 428 to an inner wall of aconduit. Coupler 425 has a flat closed perimeter bonding surface, rim424 which circumscribes an outlet zone large enough for automatedperforation and/or small enough to avoid too much distortion of the wallof the conduit.

For example the width and/or diameter of the outlet zone may be close to(±20%) the diameter of flow restrictor 428. For example the diameter ofthe outlet zone may range between 4 and 10 mm. For example the width ofthe outlet zone may range between 50% and 100% of the diameter of flowrestrictor 428. Alternatively or additionally the width of the outletzone may range, for example, between 100% and 150% of the diameter offlow restrictor 428. Alternatively or additionally, the size of theoutlet zone may differ from that of the flow restrictor. The outlet zonemay optionally be between 4 and 10 mm in length and/or width. The outletzone may optionally be elongated, for example along the axis of theconduit. The bonding surface may include protrusions and/or ridgesand/or steps. For example, ridges may increase the boding surface arearea.

It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from thisapplication many relevant technologies will be developed and the scopeof the terms are intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

As used herein the term “about” refers to ±5%.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having”and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to”.

The term “consisting of” means “including and limited to”.

The term “consisting essentially of” means that the composition, methodor structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, butonly if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materiallyalter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition,method or structure.

As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include pluralreferences unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example,the term “a compound” or “at least one compound” may include a pluralityof compounds, including mixtures thereof.

Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention maybe presented in a range format. It should be understood that thedescription in range format is merely for convenience and brevity andshould not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of theinvention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be consideredto have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well asindividual numerical values within that range. For example, descriptionof a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specificallydisclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numberswithin that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This appliesregardless of the breadth of the range.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to includeany cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range.The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and asecond indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number“to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and aremeant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all thefractional and integral numerals therebetween.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, forclarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also beprovided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in thecontext of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or inany suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other describedembodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the contextof various embodiments are not to be considered essential features ofthose embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without thoseelements.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specificembodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modificationsand variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scopeof the appended claims.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in thisspecification are herein incorporated in their entirety by referenceinto the specification, to the same extent as if each individualpublication, patent or patent application was specifically andindividually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. Inaddition, citation or identification of any reference in thisapplication shall not be construed as an admission that such referenceis available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent thatsection headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarilylimiting.

1. A drip emitter for bonding to an inner surface of a conduit over aless than the circumference thereof of comprising: a cover including, acylindrical cavity having an open end, and a fluid inlet providing fluidcommunication between an outer surface of said cover and an innersurface of said cylindrical cavity, and a body including, a cylindricalportion including a regulator chamber, and an outlet chamber extendingfrom an end of said cylindrical portion in fluid communication with saidregulator chamber; said outlet chamber having an open face opening awayfrom said cylindrical portion and bounded by a rim; said cylindricalportion shaped and sized for insertion into said cylindrical cavity toform a labyrinth flow path confirmed between an outer surface of saidcylindrical portion of said body and an inner surface of saidcylindrical cavity, said labyrinth flow path connecting said fluid inletto said regulator chamber when said cylindrical portion is inserted intosaid cylindrical cavity and said rim is exposed through said open end ofsaid cylindrical cavity for bonding to said inner surface of saidconduit.
 2. The drip emitter of claim 1, wherein said open face of saidoutlet chamber has a width of between 2 mm and 10 mm.
 3. A dripirrigation system comprising a plurality of drip emitters according toclaim 1 attached to an inner surface of an irrigation tube, said tubeincluding a plurality of openings, each said opening surrounded by anrim of an outlet chamber of a respective emitter of said plurality dripemitters.
 4. The drip emitter of claim 1, including a self containedbutton flow restrictor.
 5. The drip emitter of claim 7, wherein saidregulator chamber further includes a regulator labyrinth channel in asurface opposite said second opening, said regulator labyrinth flowchannel connecting said labyrinth flow channel to said outlet chamberwhen said cylindrical portion of said body is inserted into saidcylindrical cavity of said cover.
 6. The drip emitter of claim 1,wherein said regulator chamber includes a first opening and a secondopening, said first opening positioned for fluid communication with saidlabyrinth flow path when said cylindrical portion is inserted into saidcylindrical cavity and said second opening positioned to be exposed tofluid pressure from said fluid inlet when said cylindrical portion isinserted into said cylindrical cavity.
 7. The drip emitter of claim 6,further including a flexible membrane, said flexible membrane sized andshaped to fit between said fluid inlet and said second opening of saidregulator chamber blocking flow from said fluid inlet through saidsecond opening when said cylindrical portion is inserted to saidcylindrical cavity.
 8. The drip emitter of claim 7, whereinsubstantially all flow from said fluid inlet to said regulator chamberpasses through said labyrinth flow path when said cylindrical portion isinserted into said cylindrical cavity.
 9. The Drip emitter of claim 8,wherein said labyrinth flow path reduces a fluid pressure of fluidentering said regulator chamber with respect to a fluid pressure at saidfluid inlet.
 10. The drip emitter of claim 6, further including achannel in an exterior surface of said cylindrical portion of said body,said in communication with said first opening, said channel forming atleast a part of said labyrinth flow path when said cylindrical portionof said body is inserted into said cylindrical cavity.
 11. The dripemitter of claim 1 wherein said rim has an arched profile which lies ona cylindrical surface having an axis substantially perpendicular to amain axis of said cylindrical element.
 12. The drip emitter of claim 11,wherein a curvature of the arched profile matches a curvature of theinner surface of the conduit.
 13. The drip emitter of claim 12, whereinsaid cover further includes: a bonding surface for bonding said cover tothe inner surface of the conduit; and an additional orientation elementfor aligning said bonding surface with said substantially cylindricalsurface.
 14. The drip emitter of claim 1, wherein said open face of saidoutlet chamber has a width between 50% to 100% of the diameter of saidcylindrical portion.
 15. The drip emitter of claim 1, wherein said bodyis a molded element and said cover is a molded element and said body andsaid cover are molded separately.
 16. The drip emitter of claim 1,wherein said rim protrudes from said open end of said cylindricalcavity.
 17. The drip emitter of claim 16, wherein said protruding rimserves to determine an alignment of said drip emitter with respect tosaid inner surface of said conduit.
 18. The drip emitter of claim 1,wherein said labyrinth flow path winds along said outer surface of saidcylindrical portion of said body.
 19. The drip emitter of claim 1,wherein said labyrinth flow path includes at least one baffle contactingboth said first surface and said second surface.
 20. The drip emitter ofclaim 1, wherein said rim has a closed perimeter.